Two-car crash leaves one dead, another under investigation

One Nanticoke man is dead and another under investigation after a two-car crash Wednesday night on the Sans Souci Parkway in Hanover Township.

John Ward, 21, of Nanticoke, struck 68-year-old Daniel Markowski's vehicle from behind while driving in the southbound passing lane of the parkway near Hampton House Nursing Home around 11 p.m., Wednesday, township police said.

The impact caused Markowski's 1998 Chevrolet to roll off the road, ejecting him from his seat, police said.

Luzerne County Coroner Bill Lisman said Markowski was taken to Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center in Plains Township and pronounced dead at 7:36 a.m., Thursday.

Ward "showed signs of intoxication at the scene" and witnesses indicated he was traveling at a "high rate of speed," Walker said.

Walker said Ward sustained a non-life-threatening injury to his leg. His passenger, a 17-year-old girl, also sustained minor injuries. Both were treated at Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center. Police are awaiting the results of Ward's blood test.

"We're conducting a criminal investigation." Walker said. "This is a tragic incident that shouldn't have happened."

sscinto@citizensvoice.com

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